Can We Use Calculator in GRE? Understanding the Rules

One of the common questions test-takers have is, “can we use calculator in GRE?”. The answer depends on which GRE test you are taking (General Test or Subject Test) and, in some cases, which section. ETS, the administrator of the GRE, provides an on-screen calculator for certain sections, but personal calculators are strictly prohibited.

What is the GRE Calculator Policy?

The policy regarding whether we can use calculator in GRE is quite specific. For the GRE General Test, a basic on-screen calculator is provided ONLY during the Quantitative Reasoning sections. You cannot use it during the Verbal Reasoning or Analytical Writing sections. For GRE Subject Tests, the rules vary: only the Physics Subject Test provides an on-screen calculator (with a square root function), while others like Mathematics and Chemistry do not allow any calculator use.

Understanding when we can use calculator in GRE is crucial for test preparation. You should practice with the on-screen calculator’s interface if it’s available for your test sections.

Who is Affected by This Policy?

All individuals taking the GRE General Test or any of the GRE Subject Tests are affected by this policy. It ensures a standardized testing environment.

Common Misconceptions About the GRE Calculator

Misconception 1: You can bring your own calculator. This is false. No personal calculators are allowed. If we can use calculator in GRE, it’s the one provided on-screen.
Misconception 2: The on-screen calculator is advanced. It’s actually a very basic four-function calculator with a square root and memory function (for the General Test).
Misconception 3: The calculator is available for all sections. This is incorrect for the General Test; it’s only for Quantitative Reasoning.

GRE Calculator Rules Explained

The rules for whether we can use calculator in GRE are set by ETS. Here’s a breakdown:

GRE General Test: On-screen calculator available for Quantitative Reasoning sections. It performs addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and square root, and has memory functions (M+, MR, MC).
GRE Subject Test – Physics: An on-screen calculator with similar basic functions and a square root is available throughout the test.
GRE Subject Tests – Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology, Psychology, Literature in English: No calculator of any kind is permitted.

GRE Calculator Availability Summary
Test Type	Section/Subject	Calculator Allowed?	Type
General Test	Quantitative Reasoning	Yes	On-screen (Basic + Sqrt)
General Test	Verbal Reasoning	No	N/A
General Test	Analytical Writing	No	N/A
Subject Test	Physics	Yes	On-screen (Basic + Sqrt)
Subject Test	Mathematics	No	N/A
Subject Test	Chemistry	No	N/A
Subject Test	Biology	No	N/A
Subject Test	Psychology	No	N/A
Subject Test	Literature in English	No	N/A

This table summarizes if we can use calculator in GRE for different scenarios.

Practical Examples

Let’s see how knowing if we can use calculator in GRE applies:

Example 1: GRE General Test – Quantitative Reasoning
You are taking the GRE General Test and reach a Quantitative Reasoning section. A question asks you to calculate 15% of 345. You can open the on-screen calculator, enter 0.15 * 345, and get the answer 51.75.

Example 2: GRE Subject Test – Mathematics
You are taking the GRE Mathematics Subject Test. You encounter a complex calculation. You look for a calculator icon but find none because, for this test, you cannot use one. You must rely on manual calculation or estimation.

How to Use This GRE Calculator Policy Checker

Select the “GRE Test Type” (General or Subject).
If you selected “Subject Test,” the “Select Subject” dropdown will appear. Choose your subject.
If you selected “General Test,” choose the “Select Section.”
Click “Check Policy” or simply change the selections.
The result will tell you if a calculator is allowed, its type, and any restrictions.
The chart will visually represent the allowance.

Knowing if we can use calculator in GRE helps you prepare by practicing with or without one as needed.

Key Factors Affecting Calculator Use in the GRE

Test Type: General Test vs. Subject Test is the first determinant.
Specific Section (General Test): Quantitative Reasoning is the only section with a calculator in the General Test.
Specific Subject (Subject Test): Only Physics allows a calculator among Subject Tests.
ETS Policy: ETS sets these rules to ensure fairness and assess relevant skills.
Nature of Questions: Questions in sections without calculators are designed to be solvable without one, often testing conceptual understanding or estimation more than complex computation.
On-Screen Interface: When allowed, it’s an on-screen tool, not a physical device, which can impact speed if you’re not used to it.

Understanding these factors is key to knowing if we can use calculator in GRE for your specific situation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: So, can we use calculator in GRE or not?: A: Yes, but only the on-screen calculator provided by ETS in specific sections/tests (Quantitative Reasoning of General Test, and Physics Subject Test).
Q: Can I bring my own scientific calculator to the GRE?: A: No, personal calculators of any kind are strictly forbidden.
Q: What functions does the GRE on-screen calculator have?: A: For the General Test and Physics Subject Test, it’s a basic calculator with addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, square root, and memory functions (M+, MR, MC).
Q: Is the calculator available for the whole GRE General Test?: A: No, only during the Quantitative Reasoning sections.
Q: Do all GRE Subject Tests allow a calculator?: A: No, only the Physics Subject Test provides an on-screen calculator.
Q: Why don’t they allow calculators for the Math Subject Test?: A: The Math Subject Test assesses mathematical reasoning and problem-solving skills, often at a conceptual level, where a calculator might not be necessary or could even be a distraction from the core skills being tested.
Q: Should I practice using the on-screen calculator before the test?: A: Yes, if you are taking the General Test or Physics Subject Test, familiarize yourself with the on-screen calculator’s interface through GRE practice tests to save time on test day.
Q: What happens if I’m caught with my own calculator?: A: Your scores may be invalidated, and you could be barred from future testing.

Knowing exactly when we can use calculator in GRE is important for test day.

Related Tools and Internal Resources

GRE Prep Courses: Explore our courses to prepare for all sections of the GRE, including tips on using the on-screen calculator.
GRE Quantitative Tips: Learn strategies for the Quantitative Reasoning section, with or without the calculator.
GRE Subject Tests Guide: Get detailed information about each Subject Test, including calculator policies.
About the GRE: A general overview of the GRE tests.
GRE Test Day Rules: Understand what to expect and what’s allowed on test day.
GRE FAQ: More frequently asked questions about the GRE.

Can We Use Calculator In Gre

Can We Use a Calculator in the GRE?

GRE Calculator Policy Checker